2027 Public Defender Division Trial Attorney - Statewide Positions
About The Position
The Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is seeking Trial Attorneys to provide criminal defense representation in various offices throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The division represents indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in both District and Superior Courts. CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of its clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. The agency provides representation in a wide range of cases including criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, and sexually dangerous person cases, as well as appeals and post-conviction proceedings. The Public Defender Division specifically focuses on criminal offenses within the jurisdiction of the District Court and, with experience, will handle cases in Superior Courts, interlocutory appeals, civil commitments, and collateral matters. New Trial Attorneys receive comprehensive, skills-based training and ongoing continuing legal education to ensure they are equipped to provide zealous representation. Attorneys will be hired throughout 2026 and 2027 for immediate and future start dates, including Spring and Fall 2027.
Requirements
- Committed to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population
- Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts (member of the Massachusetts bar, law school graduate under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:03, or attorney licensed in another jurisdiction covered by Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04)
- Access to an automobile for travel to courts, clients, and investigation locations not easily accessible by public transportation
- Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely
- Demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy in the representation of indigent persons in criminal cases
- Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
- Ability to work in a community and defense-oriented capacity, both independently and collaboratively
Responsibilities
- Interviewing clients
- Arraignment and bail advocacy
- Legal research and writing
- Pretrial investigation including visiting crime scenes, locating and interviewing witnesses, collecting and reviewing documentary evidence
- Preparing and arguing pretrial motions, affidavits and legal memoranda
- Dispositional investigations and advocacy
- Jury and bench trials of criminal cases
- Representation of clients in interlocutory proceedings
- Working collaboratively with private attorneys on cases assigned through the Private Counsel Division of CPCS
- Other duties as assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
